Gaston jumps past Patriots

Gaston used a swarming defense and a third quarter offensive explosion to defeat West End, 64-36, in first round action of the Etowah County Basketball Tournament on Tuesday (Jan. 14) at Gadsden State.

The Bulldogs (7-12) advanced to Thursday’s semifinal round, where they will take on Sardis.

“We played a good defensive game and were able to set the tempo,” said Gaston head coach Buddy Wright. “Our defense limited their second and third chance shots. “This was Trevion Rooks first game back from a football injury, and we feed off of his energy.”

Gaston jumped out to a 14-10 lead after one quarter and led 27-16 at the half.

The Bulldogs picked up the pace for the game in the second half, outscoring West End 19-2 to build a 46-18 lead late in the third quarter. The quarter ended with Gaston ahead 46-22.

Gaston was led by Albert Douglas with 12 points, followed by Shai Ogle with 11 and Javonte Pope with 10. Levi Weems scored 13 points for the Patriots (6-13).